EMTB-11 Ch21 Poisoning & Overdose Emergencies

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Poison

any substance that can harm the body by altering cell structure or functions.

Toxin

a poisonous substance secreted by bacteria, plants, or animals.

Activated Charcoal

a substance that absorbs many poisons and prevents them from being absorbed by the body.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - signs & symptoms

-Headache, especially "a band around the head"

-Dizziness

-Breathing Difficulty

-Nausea

-Cyanosis

-Altered mental status, unconsciousness

-Flu-like symptoms

Delirium Tremens (DTs)

Severe reaction that can be part of alcohol withdrawal, characterized by sweating, trembling, anxiety, and hallucinations. Severe alcohol withdrawal with the DTs can lead to death if untreated. Must be transported as soon as possible.

uppers

stimulants such as amphetamines that affect the central nervous system to excite the user.

downers

depressants, such as barbiturates, that depress the central nervous system, often used to bring on a more relaxed state of mind.

narcotics

class of drugs that affect the nervous system and change many normal body activities. Their legal use is for the relief of pain. Illicit use is to produce an intense state of relaxation.

hallucinogens

mind-affecting or mind-altering drugs that act on the central nervous system to produce excitement and distortion of perceptions.

volatile chemicals

vaporizing compounds, such as cleaning fluid, that are breathed in by the abuser to produce a "high."